The Patriots’ opponents for the 2026 season were finalized this weekend after the division winners in the NFC West, AFC North, and AFC South were all decided.
And while the 2025 Patriots are focused on making the most of this 14-3 turnaround season, a tougher road awaits next season as the reigning AFC East champions.
As a divisional champion, the Patriots are now scheduled to battle against several 2025 division champs next fall — the Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC North champions), Jacksonville Jaguars (AFC South champions), and the Seattle Seahawks (NFC West Champions).
Those matchups — two of which are against a pair of 14 and 13-win teams in Seattle and Jacksonville, respectively, on the road — will further complicate an already daunting schedule for Mike Vrabel’s team next season.